1.Research Progress in Bacteria and Their Metabolites Influence on the Development and Treatment of Breast Cancer
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):361-370
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, which seriously threatens women's health. Early diagnosis and precise treatment of breast cancer are helpful to improve the prognosis of patients. This article summarizes the research status of bacteria and their metabolites in the development and treatment of breast cancer, and discusses in detail the role and mechanism of bacteria and their metabolites in the development and intervention of breast cancer. These mechanisms include regulation of inflammation and immune response, DNA damage, and regulation of cell biological characteristics. Engineering bacteria have become one of the hotspots in the field of breast cancer treatment in recent years due to their natural advantages in targeting tumors and activating immunity. This article further summarizes the research progress of engineered bacteria in the treatment of breast cancer, aiming to provide an important reference for formulating targeted treatment strategies and improving the prognosis of patients. Although bacteria and their metabolites affect the development and treatment of breast cancer through a variety of mechanisms, and can enhance the therapeutic effect of cancer and reduce the adverse effects of treatment, the clinical application of bacteria in anti-breast cancer therapy still faces numerous challenges. The highly individualized composition of bacteria leads to the lack of universality of treatment, and the complex interaction between bacteria and host further increases the difficulty of research. In the future, it is urgent to further explore the mechanism of bacteria and their metabolites affecting the development and treatment of breast cancer, and promote the clinical application of bacteria in anti-breast cancer treatment.
2.The Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Application Progress of Autophagy Activators
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):371-383
Autophagy is a highly conserved cellular self-regulatory mechanism, which primarily occurs in the lysosomes or vacuoles of mammalian and yeast cells and plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and metabolic balance. When cells encounter stress conditions like nutrient deprivation, physical or chemical stimuli, infections, and oxidative stress, or when damaged or aging organelles accumulate in the cytoplasm, the autophagic process is activated. This process degrades and recycles damaged proteins and organelles, removes potentially harmful substances, in which the degradation products are used for energy supply and macromolecule resynthesis, thereby help maintain the cellular homeostasis. Autophagy activators are compounds or drugs that can promote the cellular self-clearance process (such as mTOR inhibitors, AMPK activators, SIRT1 activators, lysosome enhancers, etc.). They enhance autophagy activity by acting on autophagy-related signaling pathways or proteins, thereby regulating cellular and metabolic processes, and consequently exerting an impact on the organism. With the deepening of research, more and more small molecule compounds with autophagic activity have been discovered. As autophagy activators, these small molecule compounds have shown great application potential in the treatment of malignant tumors, nervous system diseases, metabolic diseases, etc. Some related drugs have even entered the clinical trial stage and achieved good efficacy. This article discusses the mechanisms of various types of autophagy activators and their potential applications in diseases, aiming to provide a reference for the further development and application of autophagy activators in diseases.
3.Research Progress on the Signaling Pathway of the Blood-Brain Barrier Injuries Induced by PFOS
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):384-390
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) has significant biotoxicity and can disrupt the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier. PFOS exposure can lead to the degradation of tight junction proteins in the blood-brain barrier and damage to astrocytes, resulting in increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier, as well as the activation of multiple signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT, p38 MAPK, oxidative stress, and calcium signaling pathways. Damage to the blood-brain barrier may trigger various neurological diseases, and PFOS affects the function of the blood-brain barrier through multiple mechanisms, thereby interfering with the normal operation of the central nervous system. This article aims to review the research progress on the signaling pathways related to PFOS-induced blood-brain barrier damage and suggests that future studies could focus on developing more precise in vivo models, utilizing advanced molecular biology techniques to reveal more detailed molecular mechanisms, and exploring the synergistic effects of PFOS with other environmental toxins, in order to provide scientific evidence for the clinical prevention and treatment of PFOS-induced neurological diseases.
4.Application Progress of Virtual Reality Technology for the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):391-400
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a prevalent neurological disorder that often results in motor, sensory, cognitive, balance, and walking impairments, and can even lead to pain, significantly affecting the physical and mental health and quality of life of patients. Conventional treatment methods, primarily conducted in hospital settings, tend to be monotonous and lack engagement, leading to low patients’ compliance, motivation and cooperation. In contrast, virtual reality (VR) technology can serve as an effective adjunctive therapeutic approach, immersing patients in simulated virtual environments for functional training in specific contexts and tasks, thereby providing a sense of real experience to achieve assessment and therapeutic outcomes. The interactive and engaging nature of VR technology markedly enhances patients’ interest and motivation in treatment, offering new possibilities for home-based rehabilitation and presenting patients with alternative treatment options. This review systematically introduces the application of VR technology in the treatment of patients with SCI, focusing on its roles in assessing functional impairments, improving motor function, enhancing balance and walking abilities, alleviating pain, and promoting recovery from cognitive and psychological disorders, as well as its impact on other functional impairments and its combined use with other technologies. Furthermore, this article delves into the current advantages and limitations of VR technology, aiming to deepen the understanding of VR among physicians and therapists, promote its widespread clinical application, advance the field of rehabilitation medicine, provide theoretical foundations and directions for future research, and offer new insights and references for clinical practice.
5.Effect of Highly Expressed lysophosphatidyllecithin acyltransferase 4 on Proliferation of Pancreatic Cancer
Haoming LU ; Jin HUANG ; Yixi WU ; Jiayin LU ; Zhenpei LI ; Xiuying XIONG ; Jiawen YE ; Xia YANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):401-409
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression level of lysophosphatidyllecithin acyltransferase 4 (LPCAT4) in pancreatic cancer and its effect on the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. MethodsIn this study, the differentially expressed genes of patients with KRAS mutant and wild-type pancreatic cancer were analyzed by online database LinkedOmics. The LPCAT4 expression in pancreatic cancer tissues was analyzed online by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer Data Analysis (UALCAN), Sangerbox and gene expression profile interaction analysis 2 (GEPIA2). Kaplan-Meier Plotter database was used to explore the correlation between LPCAT4 and the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer. The expression of LPCAT4 in human pancreatic cancer cells were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. LPCAT4 was knocked down in the high-expressing SW1990 cell line and overexpressed in the low-expressing MIA PaCa-2 cell line. The effects of LPCAT4 expression on cell proliferation were assessed using CCK-8 and EdU assays. STRING and GEPIA2 databases were used to obtain LPCAT4 binding and coexpressed genes in tumors, which were then analyzed by GO and KEGG. ResultsAnalysis of the LinkedOmics online database revealed a significant upregulation of LPCAT4 in patients with KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer compared to patients with KRAS wild-type pancreatic cancer. The online analysis of GEPIA2, UALCAN and Sangerbox 3.0 showed that the expression of LPCAT4 was higher in pancreatic cancer than in normal tissues. Analysis of the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database revealed that high LPCAT4 expression was associated with poorer prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients.Western blot and qPCR results showed that expression of LPCAT4 in pancreatic cancer cell lines was significantly higher than in normal pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. Knockdown of LPCAT4 in SW1990 cells inhibited proliferation, while overexpression in MIA PaCa-2 cells promoted proliferation. Enrichment analysis indicated that LPCAT4 was closely related to sulfur metabolism. ConclusionsLPCAT4 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and is associated with poor prognosis of patients. It plays a significant regulatory role in the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells, with its expression level closely correlated with cell proliferation capacity. These findings reveal the critical role of LPCAT4 in the malignant progression of pancreatic cancer and provide important evidence for its potential as a therapeutic target.
6.TLR4 and IFN - γ Activated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve Schistosomiasis Liver Fibrosis by Regulating Macrophage Polarization
Yaojia REN ; Fang CHEN ; Wanxian HUANG ; Zhongdao WU ; Junxia LEI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):410-419
ObjectiveTo investigate whether co-activated mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) exert therapeutic effects against schistosomiasis by modulating macrophage polarization. MethodsTwenty adult male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: uninfected, infected, MSC-treated, and MSCTLR4+IFN-γ-treated groups. The Schistosoma japonicum infection model was established via abdominal patch method with cercariae. At week 5 post-infection, praziquantel was administered orally for antiparasitic treatment. At week 6, mice received either MSCs treatments (with or without pre-activation) or no treatment. Body weight changes were monitored weekly. Hepatic pathological alterations were evaluated via HE and Masson staining. RT-qPCR was used to assess α-SMA and collagen (Col-I, Col-Ⅲ) mRNA levels to quantify fibrosis. The mRNA levels of hepatic inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases(MMP) were analyzed to explore fibrotic mechanisms. The expressions of i-Nos and Arg-1 in liver tissues were detected by RT-qPCR, and the ratio of M1 or M2 macrophages was detected by immunofluorescence staining, aiming to analyze the correlation between MSCs treatment and macrophage polarization. An in vitro co-culture system validated direct MSC-macrophage interactions. ResultsCompared with the infected group, the MSCTLR4+IFN-γ group exhibited increased body weight gain (P< 0.01), reduced hepatic granulomatous lesion area (P< 0.001), and decreased α-SMA, Col-I, and Col-Ⅲ mRNA levels (P< 0.01). Additionally, the MSCTLR4+IFN-γ group showed reduced TNF-α and IL-1β expression (P< 0.05), as well as elevated MMP2, Mmp9, and MMP13 levels (P< 0.01). The MSCTLR4+IFN-γ group showed higher expression of M2 marker Arg-1 mRNA compared with the infection group (P < 0.001) , while the expression of M1 marker i-Nos decreased (P< 0.05). Immunofluorescence confirmed a lower i-Nos+ cell ratio (P< 0.05) and higher F4/80+CD206+ cell ratio (P< 0.000 1) in the MSCTLR4+IFN-γ group compared with the infection group. In vitro co-culture experiments further demonstrated that MSCTLR4+IFN-γ promoted Arg-1 expression, suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine i-Nos and TNF-α levels, consistent with ELISA results. ConclusionsThis study reveals that TLR4 and IFN-γ co-activated MSCs alleviate Schistosoma japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis, potentially through modulating macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype. This mechanism may suppress inflammation and enhance extracellular matrix degradation, providing a therapeutic strategy for schistosomiasis-associated liver fibrosis.
7.Expression and Clinical Significance of Nucleoporin 93 in Patients with Neuroblastoma
Minting LIANG ; Yang YANG ; Xiaojun LIU ; Huiya LIANG ; Hanyi ZHANG ; Yihan SUN ; Xiuyu SHI ; Xia YANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):420-430
ObjectiveTo screen key genes associated with neuroblastoma (NB) diagnosis and prognosis using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and to investigate the expression and clinical significance of nucleoporin 93 (NUP93) in NB tissues. MethodsNB gene chip data (GSE73517, GSE49710, GSE19274) were retrieved from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) commonly upregulated in high-risk groups were screened. The R2 database was then used to assess the prognostic value of DEGs that were commonly upregulated in the MYCN amplification group. Finally, NUP93 expression levels in the tissues from 60 NB, 25 ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB), and 26 ganglioneuroma (GN) cases were measured by immunohistochemistry . ResultsTwenty-five DEGs were identified as commonly upregulated in high-risk groups. Among these, 10 genes (SIVA1, NUP93, STIP1, LSM4, RAI14, MYOZ3, KNTC1, TNFRSF10B, TACC3 and CEP152) showed significantly higher expression in MYCN-amplified subgroups (P<0.05). Survival analysis revealed that high NUP93 expression was associated with shorter overall survival (HR = 4.0, 95% CI: 3.0,5.3, P = 1.80 × 10⁻³⁴). Immunohistochemistry results revealed that NUP93 expression in NB tissues was significantly higher than in GNB and GN tissues (P<0.001). NUP93 expression was positively correlated with high mitosis-karyorrhexis index (MKI; P=0.040), poor differentiation (P<0.001), and MYCN expression (rs = 0.793, P <0.001). ConclusionsHigh expression of NUP93 is associated with high MKI and poor differentiation, and predicts unfavorable prognosis in patients with NB, suggesting it may promote tumor progression by regulating MYCN. NUP93 has the potential to be a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for NB.
8.Polygonatum Sibiricum Polysaccharides Improve Colonic Injury in a Mouse Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Regulating Bile Acid Metabolism in the Colon
Wanrong LI ; Mengting TAO ; Yuanfeng ZOU ; Dan HE ; Nengyuan TANG ; Xin TAN ; Lixia LI ; Dandan CHEN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):431-443
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Polygonatum neutral polysaccharides from sibiricum (PSP-NP) on colon injury in mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group, a COPD model group, and a PSP-NP group. The COPD model was established using smoke exposure combined with intranasal LPS administration. The PSP-NP group was simultaneously treated daily with 200 mg/kg of PSP-NP via intragastric gavage, while the other groups received an equal volume of saline. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the colon. ELISA was employed to detect the levels of LPS in serum and the expressions of ZO-1, Occludin, IL-6, and TNF-α in colon tissue. UPLC-MS was used to detect the types and contents of bile acids in colonic content, and to screen for differential bile acids. Differential microbial flora were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and correlation analysis was conducted with differential bile acids. PSP-NP was combined with the differential bile acids cholic acid (CA), and deoxycholic acid (DCA) in vitro to analyze the binding capacity of PSP-NP for CA and DCA. PSP-NP was applied to NCM460 normal colonic epithelial cells cultured in CA and DCA. Cell migration ability was assessed using the scratch assay, and the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB were measured by RT-qPCR. ResultsPSP-NP effectively improved colonic damage in COPD model mice, enhanced mechanical barrier function, alleviated inflammatory response, and regulated abnormal changes in colonic flora and bile acid metabolism. Correlation analysis further revealed that PSP-NP regulated colonic bile acid metabolism and reduced the redundancy of secondary bile acids by increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Verrucomicrobiota, Bacteroides, and Akkermansia, while decreasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Notably, in vitro binding assays demonstrated that PSP-NP bound to differential bile acids DCA and CA, with the strongest binding capacity for DCA at 58.2%. In cellular functional studies, DCA inhibited the migration ability of colonic epithelial cells NCM460 and significantly increased the relative mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB. Importantly, co-treatment with PSP-NP significantly ameliorated the impact of DCA on NCM460 cells. ConclusionsPSP-NP may significantly improve colonic damage in COPD model mice. The mechanism may involve the regulation of colonic bile acid metabolism and bile acid profiles through both microbial modulation and direct binding, thereby reducing the damage caused by secondary bile acids such as DCA to colonic epithelial cells.
9.The Regulatory Role of Glucose Transporter 1 on the Function of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Under Ischemia-hypoxic Conditions
Meiling LI ; Siqi GAO ; Zhefu LIU ; Huanyan LIAO ; Fanmao LIU ; Wenhao XIA ; Jun GUO ; Yan LI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):444-455
Abstract: ObjectiveThe study aims to explore the effects and regulatory roles of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) on the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under ischemia-hypoxic conditions. MethodsIn vitro experiments were conducted to subject HUVECs to an ischemia-hypoxic-mimicking environment (1% O2, 5% CO2, 94% N2). The biological characteristics of HUVECs under normoxic and ischemia-hypoxic conditions were compared by assessing cell viability, proliferation capacity, and examining the expression changes of GLUT1, HIF-1α, and VEGFA proteins under ischemia-hypoxia using Western blot technology. Further, GLUT1 was overexpressed using plasmid transfection and the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenic capabilities of HUVECs were evaluated through scratch assays, cell adhesion assays, and tube formation assays. Mitochondrial morphological changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy,and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was detected by Seahorse metabolic analyzer to evaluate mitochondrial function. ResultsCompared with normoxic conditions, the ischemia-hypoxic environment significantly inhibited the proliferation, cell viability, migration, and adhesion capabilities of HUVECs and impaired their angiogenic potential. The expression levels of GLUT1, HIF-1α and VEGFA proteins were also markedly reduced. However, when GLUT1 expression was upregulated, the migration, adhesion, and angiogenic capabilities of HUVECs were significantly improved, and the protein expression levels of HIF-1α, VEGFA and VEGFR were increased. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that ischemic-hypoxia leads to mitochondrial swelling and matrix damage, while GLUT1 overexpression significantly alleviates mitochondrial morphology abnormalities. OCR results suggest that GLUT1 overexpression may enhance oxidative phosphorylation of endothelial cells in ischemic-hypoxic environments to improve energy metabolism. These results suggest that GLUT1 may influence the function and angiogenic potential of HUVECs by regulating glucose metabolism and energy supply. ConclusionsThis study reveals the significant regulatory role of GLUT1 in the function of HUVECs under ischemia-hypoxic conditions, potentially through modulating cellular energy metabolism and signal transduction pathways, thereby affecting cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis. These findings provide a new perspective on the role of GLUT1 in cardiovascular diseases and may offer potential targets for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
10.Identification of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Networks for Exploring Potential Therapeutic Drugs of Ischemic Stroke
Yumin WU ; Zhongxing WANG ; Yu YU
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):456-465
ObjectiveTo unearth novel circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network and potential drugs in ischemic stroke. MethodsData from the GEO database were utilized, focusing on three datasets (GSE115697, GSE51586, and GSE137482) that examine RNA expression levels in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse models. Differentially expressed mRNA (DEmRNA), DEcircRNA, and DEmiRNA were identified using the Limma package in R. A comprehensive strategy combining bioinformatics tools such as MiRWalk and StarBase was employed to identify circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks associated with ischemic stroke. Hub sub-networks were screened and visualized using Cytoscape software. Functional analyses of the ceRNA networks were performed using Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) pathway analysis, with pathways containing more than 10 enriched genes and an false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Lastly, the Connectivity Map (CMap) was applied to identify potential therapeutic drugs for ischemic stroke and the MCAO model was established in wild-type mice to verify the therapeutic effect. ResultsTotally, 1,249 DEmRNA, 294 DEmiRNA and 70 DEcircRNA were identified and it was found that 3 circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks might be closely related to ischemic stroke. Based on these findings, Austricine, Metyrapone and Desoxypeganine were the most likely drugs that able to reverse the changes caused by stroke-related ceRNA networks. Metyrapone, taken as an example, was validated to improve neurological function damage on the first (P=0.001 4) and second (P=0.016 1) days post-surgery and reduce infarct volume (P=0.004 9), thereby exerting a neuroprotective effect in ischemic stroke. ConclusionsOur study provides a novel insight into the pathogenesis and therapy of ischemic stroke from the perspective of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. The three drugs predicted in our research provide new clues for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

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